Seattle Kraken: Top 5 Prospects for 2024

Despite being in the league for just three seasons, the Seattle Kraken have assembled an impressive prospect pool. While they have had a few early first-round selections, they have also found hidden gems in the second and third rounds of recent drafts, creating one of the league's best prospect pools. The honorable mentions list alone rivals some team's top prospects, and the top five are filled with All-Star potential talent.

Honorable Mentions: Julius Miettinen, Clarke Caswell, Oscar Fisker Molgaard, Ryan Winterton, Logan Morrison, Lukas Dragicevic, Kim Saarinen, Zeb Forsfjall, Alexis Bernier, Nathan Villeneuve.

5. Jani Nyman, 19 years old (W)
Jani Nyman might be one of the most underrated prospects in the NHL. The 6-foot-4 winger finished last season with 26 goals and 43 points in just 48 games for Ilves in Liiga, Finland's premier men's league. Nyman finished 26th in points and second in goals as a teenager. On a point-per-game basis, he ranked 14th in points and first in goals.

Nyman has a strong shot and hockey IQ and is close to playing in the NHL. This season, he is expected to join the Firebirds, which will be a valuable test. If he continues his offensive dominance in North America, he could become an elite middle-six winger.

4. David Goyette
Goyette's best trait is his elusive, high-paced skating, but he is a well-rounded offensive prospect with impressive hands. He struggles physically, which is why he isn't in the top five, but this could be overcome. Starting this season with the Firebirds, Goyette will test his physicality. If successful, he could be a middle-six forward with a 50+ point upside.

3. Jagger Firkus, 20 years old (RW)
Jagger Firkus, a 2022 second-round pick, scored 61 goals and 126 points in 63 games for the Moose Jaw Warriors of the WHL. Despite his 5-foot-11 frame, he possesses a lethal wrist shot and a knack for attacking the net.

Firkus might make the Kraken's lineup out of preseason, but the team's history of prioritizing development suggests he will join the Firebirds. His skillset is highly translatable to the NHL, making him a potential top-six forward with a 30+ goal, 75+ point upside.

2. Shane Wright, 20 years old (C)
Shane Wright, who received exceptional-player status from Hockey Canada in 2019, had his development disrupted by COVID-19. Despite this, he showcased his scoring prowess last year with 22 goals and 47 points in 55 games for the Firebirds.

This season is pivotal for Wright's NHL aspirations. A strong offensive performance could solidify his path to becoming a top-six center with 25+ goals and 80+ points upside. However, struggling under pressure could slow his development, though he remains a promising middle-six center.

1. Berkly Catton, 18 years old (C/LW)
Berkly Catton, selected eighth overall by the Kraken in the 2024 Draft, is an elite playmaker with vision and hands to dominate the NHL. His sneaky-strong shot resulted in 54 goals in 68 games for the Spokane Chiefs of the WHL last season.

Expected to return to Spokane this season, Catton should not be long for the NHL. With a high ceiling, many scouts suggest he could reach 30+ goals and 85+ point seasons, though 20+ goals and 70+ points might be more realistic.

While the Kraken are not yet serious Stanley Cup contenders, their future is bright with a stacked prospect pool and young talent on the current NHL roster. In four to five seasons, this team could be a favorite for the Stanley Cup.